Frame hanging wire post with locking connector

Abstract

A hanging wire post with a locking connector for decorative hanging applications. This hanging wire post would be alternate to using eyelets or D-rings for attachment point of hanging wire to frame. This hanging post will install to frame with a single center-point screw. This post supports the hanging wire which is threaded through and around backside of post resulting in a frictional grip on wire that facilitates wire length adjustment. The hanging wire is then locked into position with the parallel line locking connector. The result is a very high strength end connection, and very quick and precise installation. No frustration of trying to tie precise knots in stranded wire or stranded wire rope. This device will work equally well with coated or uncoated stranded wire and wire rope.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]NoneBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Hanging wires for picture frames and other architectural items are typically suspended with stranded load-rated steel wire with wire outside diameters (OD) of 0.032 to 0.092″. The stranded wires are now available with a polymeric coating which prevents the sheared ends of wire from having splayed strands that can easily puncture skin.[0003]Decorative hangings are typically supported in a structural frame which will be supported by a hanging wire that attaches to either eyelets or D-rings attached to frame. The eyelet is relatively weak and is subject to bending and / or dislodging from picture frame. The D-ring having a heavier attach screw(s) is a better method for attaching to frame. However both types will require tying the wire to the eyelet or D-ring. Obtaining the exact desired length of a hanging wire while tying in a knot is the first part of problem, and the second is the stiff stranded wires do...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a hitching post for frames of decorative hanging items that makes it easy to connect and adjust the lengths of the structural hanging wires. The post can be easily attached to the frame and quickly threaded with the hanging wire. The hanging wire is adjusted to the desired length and then locked into position with the described parallel line connector. This connector is an improvement over traditional swaged ferrule type of parallel line splice connectors and has a low profile, is easily installed with no special tooling and develops a connected strength equal to the rated load for the structural wire. The invention allows for the use of coated wire with the connector, as the thread of the advancing locking screw will slice through the polymer coating on the wire to provide a mechanical lock on the steel strands of the wire. The invention also ensures that the assembly strength of wire to frame is equal to the load rating of the hanging wire.

Problems solved by technology

The eyelet is relatively weak and is subject to bending and / or dislodging from picture frame.

Obtaining the exact desired length of a hanging wire while tying in a knot is the first part of problem, and the second is the stiff stranded wires do not lend themselves to be formed into taut configurations of a knot.

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